Alvus

alvus - definition

It refers to the intestinal tube stretching to the anus from the stomach. In medical terminology, it is used to refer to the condition characterized by the presence of fecal matter inside the cavity. This explains why an individual suffering from diarrhea is known as Alvus Liquida while a person having constipation is called Alvus Adstricta. The name of the structure owes its origin to the Latin word "Alvus" meaning "belly."

alvus - location

It can be found between the anus and the stomach in human beings.

alvus - function

Physicians can determine whether or not food particles have been digested in a proper way by analyzing the state of human excrement. Tiny hair-like protuberances (known as Villi) line the small intestinal tube and aid in the absorption of nutrients from within the tubular structure. The nutrients are later transferred into the blood.

alvus - pictures

The image below would help you know how this structure of the human digestive system looks like.